Editorial: Hiking/Biking Trail Safety

We interrupt our irregularly scheduled programming for the following public service announcement:

In my brief time as an amateur social critic, I've formulated the theory that there's really only one big problem with our society, which is kind of like the sun from which all other problems radiate--namely, a lack of consideration of the impact our actions may have on others.  So it was just a little over an hour ago on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.

I witnessed an accident that was more serious than any I've ever seen on a trail, and perhaps more serious than any I've seen, period.  A middle-aged woman was rollerblading while running two leashed dogs and listening to her iPod.  While passing an elderly woman who was walking her dog (both were going in the same direction, but at different speeds), the dogs apparently got into a tangle and the poor old woman fell down on her face.  I didn't see the initial impact, as they were behind my back, but I think I did see the lady go down.

I walked back to the scene and was dialing 911 on my cell phone when the victim groaned that I should not call.  Despite being at fault IMHO , the rollerblader handled the situation well and acted extremely concerned, perhaps even panic-stricken.  The older lady had a nosebleed, an apparent face bruise and was also scraped on her hands.  It looked pretty bad, but her demeanor indicated that she was trying her best to shrug it off, and she refused further attention.

To use uncharactertically blunt language, people just got waaaay too much goin' on when they use the trails.  If I were in a position of greater influence, I'd propose the following trail rules:
1) Walking dogs only, no running dogs while jogging, biking or rollerblading.
2) One-dog-per-person maximum during peak hours (noon-5 p.m. on weekends).
3) No iPods.  This is an inconvenience for me also, but I just can't see any other way.  Not safe.

Some kind of patrol and/or law enforcement presence is desperately needed on the trails (both Oak Leaf and Ozaukee).  The trails seem to be enjoing greater popularity these days, which is good, but this also coincides with something else that's taking America by storm: a lack of consideration.  Much to my dismay, the existing law that dogs must be leashed is disobeyed regularly, seemingly with impunity.

Comments

[Suzanne]

Oh, how awful. That lady could have easily broken her wrists or worse. Good thing you were there to help out.
I was just saying the same thing about drivers- I see more and more inconsiderate driving lately, not using turn signals, basically not caring that there is anyone else in the world at all. It's not just distraction, it's a complete lack of consideration for others.